SERVICE BULLETIN

TOPIC: Power Distribution Box

IDENT NO: 17-3048
DATE: October 2010
SUPERSEDES: New
SUBJECT: Power Distribution Box Water Integrity
MODELS AFFECTED: All With ESM

The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to inform the

field of the need to maintain, at all times including
shipping, packaging, operation and troubleshooting,
the NEMA 4 watertight integrity that the Power
Distribution Box (PDB), A309204B, has when it leaves
the factory. 3

DESCRIPTION OF PDB
The PDB is the hub of the increasingly sophisticated 2
electronics used on modern Dresser Waukesha
engines. It serves as the power input point and
distributes power to most electrical subsystems
including the ESM. It also provides overcurrent 1
protection and has troubleshooting capabilities
(reference current release of SB 17-2996 for
information on resetting PDB). The PDB has been
factory-tested and proven to be watertight under
reasonable conditions. For proper engine operation
and to maintain the factory warranty, it is imperative to
preserve the watertight integrity of the PDB. Figure 1

ADDING CUSTOMER-SUPPLIED WIRING 1 - Proper NEMA 4 3 - Factory-Supplied,

TO PDB
When adding customer-supplied wiring to the PDB, all
connectors, fittings and grommets used must have an
equivalent NEMA 4 rating. Using connectors, fittings or
grommets other than NEMA 4 rated style could allow
water to enter the PDB, causing problems up to and
including failure of the PDB. See Figure 1 for
examples of both good and bad practice.
Style Connector Self-Centering 1-1/2
2 - Non-Approved in. Plug
Connector Without
Grommet (allows
water entry)
As shipped from the factory, the PDB has several
openings meant for unused electrical options and/or
customer connections. These openings are factory-
sealed with either a push-in, self-centering, rubber
plug (1-1/2 in.) or a steel with rubber gasket plug that
must be manually centered and tightened with an
internal wing nut (3/4 in.). These plugs must remain
firmly in place at all times unless the opening is used
for wiring.

Service Bulletin 17-3048

© 10/2010 Page 1 of 2
Service Bulletin No. 17-3048
INSTALLING PDB COVER
Be sure to properly reinstall the PDB cover any time
that it has been removed (see Figure 2) for wiring or
troubleshooting using the internal LEDs. DO NOT
leave the cover off when work is not actively being
done. This includes indoors or overnight. When
reinstalling the cover, all six latches must properly
engage the cover and the latch screws must be tight.
Figure 2
1 - Cover Latch and Screw
Page 2 of 2
When the cover is properly installed, plugs are
properly in place and NEMA 4 connectors, fittings and
grommets are used for wiring, the PDB is watertight
under reasonable conditions.
NOTICE
Use caution when pressure-washing the engine. Do
not spray the high-pressure water stream directly at
the cover gasket, at any plug or wiring connector on
the PDB or at any engine-mounted electronics, as
water entry may occur and component damage may
result.
Service Bulletin 17-3048
© 10/2010